my momo is at stage 4 what now?

[girlie123]

my mom has stage 4 ovarian cancer, her dr says surgery is not a option.i guess what i want to know where do we go from here

[girlie123]

someone answer please i need to hear the truth,not what everyone thinks i want to hear.

[Tybear]

I'm wondering how old your mother is and what her overall general health is like. If surgery is not an option, then I would assume they would try chemo. The chemo for this type of cancer though, is extremly aggressive and if your mom has a weak heart or bad kidneys, it may not be much of an option either. Much of it depends on where her cancer has spread to - her lungs? Her liver? I'm a stage 3c which means my cancer was everywhere except on the major organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and I'm still here. This is a horrible disease and your mom is not alone - almost 80% of all new cases of Ovarian Cancer are diagnosed stage 3 or 4. How was your mom diagnosed if she didn't have surgery? Are they sure it's Ovarian Cancer? Did she have a biopsy done? In any case, I would suggest a second opinion. Ovarian tumors are so complicated and can often be mis-diagnosed. I don't want to give you false hope though - obviously her Dr's have found something - I just think it's important to get a second opinion, specifically from a gynecologist/oncologist. Keep her thoughts up, but let her talk about her fears - I won't even begin to imagine that I know what you must be going through. I hope you and your mom find the answers you are looking for and I wish you the best of luck.

Becky

[Anna-maria74]

People do survive stage 4 but the prognosis isn't good. Its an evil determined disease which almost always recures in the latter stages. That being said you must never give up hope and you and mom must FIGHT the ba****. Never underestimate the will to survive in fighting cancer so what ever you feel you can handle dont bog mom down with statistics.



Anna x

[nyc lady]

Just remember that although the long term prognosis for later stage OvCa isn't the greatest, there are lots of people that beat the odds, and who is too say that your mother is not one of them.  Don't give up hope.



I have read that with sometimes with late stage and/or cancers they feel are inoperable, they do chemo first to shrink the tumors and keep the cancer "under control".  



Also remember, the statistics of today are from 5 years ago.  The medical industry has come a long way in 5 years.  More and more women are surviving longer and longer with OvCa, even with recurrences.



The most important thing for you to do know is find out what plans the doctors have in place, if you are not happy with their response then seek out another doctor.  Are you located near a major cancer center.  Are you from the United States?



Educate yourself as much as you can to understand what is going on.  Ask questions, keep asking until you understand the answers.  



We are here to help you in any way we can....best of luck to your mom and family.

[HottKyChick]

My aunt had a huge ovarian tumor removed  in 1992 it weighed 8 lbs. Dr told her it was terminal there was nothing they could do she would die within 6 months. She came to the city and seen an gyn/onc that suggested they try this expierimental chemo, 8 treatments over 8 months. She got through the 6th and told them she couldnt handle anymore it was making her too sick. They said that was fine checked her out and found no sign of cancer anywhere, she was in remission. And still is today, 14 years later. NEVER give up hope.

[Helmar]

Hello... I agree with the other ladies... never give up hope. Give your Mother all the support you can,physically and mentally, and help her to stay 'up' on this. Advanced ovca can be treated like a chronic disease these days, with all of the new drugs coming onto the market, so a person can be around for years. A lot depends of course, on your Mother's general health too... and if she can withstand the chemo for sometime. I believe that staying mentally strong does help.....never give in to this horrible disease. Wishing you and your Mother all the best, and I hope she will do well.... Helmar..

[girlie123]

thank you so much for your comments.she is almost done with round 1 with chemo.we will keep fighting and hoping.

[SimplyStar]

I am mother to a daughter with OVCA.  I can only say after reading your thoughts and advice to others  that I sit here with tears in my eyes and am so proud of all of you. God knew what he was doing  when he made women so strong.